The Society of Professional Journalists Foundation has awarded $15,000 to support FOIA Fest 2027, the Chicago Headline Club’s (CHC’s) annual public-records training program for journalists.
The grant to the Chicago Headline Club Foundation will help the club build out a suite of high-impact programming for the event, scheduled for March 20, 2027.
FOIA Fest brings together journalists, attorneys, editors, educators and public-records experts for practical training on using the Freedom of Information Act and other investigative tools. Sessions range from FOIA fundamentals to advanced reporting strategies, data and legal issues, and cover both Illinois and federal public-records law.
“Public records are among a reporter’s most basic tools, and using them well requires training and continuous learning about new approaches,” said Jeff Arnold, CHC president. “The SPJ Foundation’s support helps the Headline Club offer that training and shared experiences to journalists across the Chicago region to allow them to more effectively do their jobs in keeping those they cover accountable.”
“We’re thrilled the SPJ Foundation is supporting this signature programming,” said Molly McDonough, president of the CHC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Headline Club. “FOIA Fest delivers needed training and peer-to-peer learning, and it strengthens the journalism community we all depend on.”
FOIA Fest is open to members and nonmembers, including freelancers, students and members of the public. Programming is designed for beginners and experienced reporters alike. Past events have included a FOIA Help Desk, where attendees can get one-on-one guidance on public-records questions. The event also kicks off FOIA Boot Camp, a four-month program for early-career journalists that is stewarded by the Investigative Project on Race and Equity.
The full program and registration will be announced in the coming months.
Also see: “The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Grants $80K in Support of Watchdog Reporting”